THE ARMY OF BLEEDING FEET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11332, 9 March 1915, Page 1

THE ARMY OF BLEEDING FEET.

A TRIBUTE TO EXILED BELGIANS. (fly BARTHOLOMEW F. OPTFFIX.) (Jn The Boston \'o-,v • Bureau.'') O't-r ruined road past draggled Mold. O'er twisted st-oho? of fha ten .street, Marches an nrniy terrible.The army of the bleeding feet—01* skirled fret, that now tirs't .leave Immaciil.it? field and kitchen floor— Cid feet that; slept beside the hearth. Wee feet that twinkled by the door. To strange world past the -parish line (More st,range- with sound and sighs to-day). Recruited fast at every hedge, The gathering army takes its way. Commanders ? Aye. they trudge ahead— Not. badge but ha be on every breast;. The troops? They straggle at, her skirt, From tot to crone, in ranks ill-drest. And uniformed—in rusty best From cedarn chests and linen bags; Ah, rough the roads and chill the winds To mi hots split, and sudden rags! Equipment? Aye. 'tis furnished well, This army of the old and young— Ou shoulder bent a bundle small, A doll from little fingers swung! Almost complete---it only lacks The battle oath and cheer and song.; Sara infant, frsi. and aged sigh. Now dumbly marches it- along. Past gapiitg window, roof and sill .It tares to red horiaoirs edge, Past blaekoiied furrow, hearth and fane — And fast- it grows at- every ?<edge! O'er ruined road past draggled field. O'er twisted stones; of shaken street. Marches an army terrible. The army of the bleeding feet.